Nov. 3 SFWMD MEETING REPORT

[N. Cook]

Fred DAvis and his crew who are the "stewards" of all the SFWMD lands made a good presentation.....they all certainly mean well....but the bias against open access is strong....and especially when hunting is involved.....they simply want "managed" hunts and are not supportive of opening lands the FWC will not actively "manage" preferably as WMAs with limited hunting days and numbers. They count land as "open for hunting" in their booklet, even when it is all quota hunts and/or highly restricted and the average guy has little or no chance of ever getting drawn. Hunting lands in their minds need roads, turnarounds, parking, gates, designated entrys, etc......wild just doesn't get it....too dangerous. I suggested their KISSIMEE PUBLIC USE AREAS were a good model that they could use on other lands just sitting idle. The duck hunting situation is not on a good tract as the STAs will be constructed from north of the lake, all around and south. All duck havens that will rob the major flights from the Kissimee River, Lake O and the glades.....and not be disturbed. The ironic thing is the way these STA's will be managed is a ducks dream come true.....flooded, drained, cut, burned and reflooded in a cycle sure to float a lot of feed on the water. WE NEED MAJOR SUPPORT FROM HUNTERS OR THE RESOURCE WILL BE DEPLETED. WE MUST GET THE STAS OPEN AT LEAST TO WALKIN HUNTING SEVERAL DAYS A WEEK. THE NEXT MEETING IS PLANNED FOR MONDAY NOV 24 AT 4 PM AT THE SFWMD OFFICES IN WPB. I will be glad to discuss the issues by email or give me a call.

[Converted]

Here's a copy of the DRAFT

Recreation and Public Access
DRAFT
The following draft has been produced from WRAC Recreation Issue Workshop discussions, member language submittals, all WMD recreation websites and other sources. The purpose of this draft is to lead discussion in the WRAC Recreation Issue Workshops in the pursuit of developing a recreation and public access policy for all District lands. Substantial changes are expected including deletions and additions. Nothing in this draft should be considered final. District staff will be involved in further development of this draft during this process. The draft will be completed in the WRAC Recreation Issue Workshop process and presented to the WRAC for their consideration and action.

Sec. xx.xxx Scope
This policy shall apply to all lands owned by the District and to District involvement in the management of other lands or planning of other water resource related activities. Nothing in this policy will shall negate statute, administrative rule or other policy requirement. No other agency¡¦s management or regulatory authority for the land or resources on the land should be impacted by this recreational use policy.

This policy may be reviewed by the Governing Board and updated in five year increments or earlier and updated as required.


Sec xx.xxx Purpose April G. contributed

The Recreation and Public Access Policy shall define the acceptable types of recreation and access that allow public use of the lands owned and managed by the District such that District lands may continue to serve the purpose for which they were purchased while being enjoyed by the public.

The federal, state and local agencies, and stakeholders involved in restoration recognize that people¡¦s enjoyment of nature is a strong impetus for broad public support of ecosystem restoration. In its 1998 Interim Report the Governor¡¦s Commission for a Sustainable South Florida (Governor¡¦s Commission) included as Recommendation 9: ¡§Procured lands should be managed for compatible multiple uses consistent with Florida law. Use and management activities on these lands must be compatible with overall conservation and conservation goals.¡¨ In its 1995 Initial Report the Governor¡¦s Commission objectives included:
„h Creating an array of cultural and recreational opportunities that are affordable and available to all
„h Shared and extended use of public facilities for recreational purposes
„h Ensuring appropriate public access to public lands consistent with the purposes for which the public lands were acquired and managed.

Likewise, the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force in its Strategy for Restoration of the South Florida Ecosystem stated: ¡§As citizens and their governments work to restore and protect the unique South Florida ecosystem, they must not lose sight of the importance of public access to natural areas. At the same time, the public must respect the sensitivities of the natural system and ensure that their activities do not unduly stress the wildlife and the landscapes that are such an important part of their heritage.¡¨

This policy shall provide guidance for the South Florida Water Management District in decisions related to public access to District owned and managed lands, and to District involvement in the management of other lands or planning of other water resource related activities, including the development of the Master Recreation Plan for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) with the federal partner.


Sec. xx.xxx Definitions

Wildlife Management Area WMA


Sec. xx.xxx Statement of Policy
District lands shall be open to water resource related recreation and public access activities that are consistent with the District¡¦s ownership rights and the purpose of the land being in public ownership. Recreation and public access shall be provided for and encouraged to ensure the public¡¦s opportunity for enjoyment and appreciation of the natural conditions of south Florida.

„h Purpose of public ownership: The specific use for which the land was purchased shall be given primary consideration.

„h Consistency with public interest: Recreational uses shall not undermine or otherwise impair the ability of the land to fulfill the purpose for which it was purchased.

„h Protection of natural resources: Ecological value and function of public lands shall not be harmed by recreational uses.


„h Purpose of Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan: ¡§[T]o restore, preserve, and protect the South Florida ecosystem while providing for other water-related needs of the region, including water supply and flood protection.¡¨

„h Site specific management plans: Recreational and public access components and management of District owned and managed lands, specific to a parcel or area, shall be included in site specific management plans.

Across the landscape there shall be a reasonable dedication of resources to ensure an equitable variety of non consumptive and consumptive, passive and recreation and public access activities. Stable partnerships with private and public entities that expand the opportunities for recreation and public access shall be encouraged and undertaken.
Planning for recreation and public access activities will be undertaken by the District in a proactive manner at all appropriate opportunities, including during land acquisition, construction and design, and development of management plans, including O&M activities.
The creation of facilities to accomplish current and reasonably optimistic future general access needs, such as parking and other primary facilities that support many activities shall be a necessary part of planning activities.
Reasonable consideration of recreation and public access and the resources required to accomplish such shall be given to lands in transition.


Recreation and public access activities will be managed to allow the fulfillment of the District¡¦s natural resource related missions. Only when compelling and convincing conditions demonstrate an affirmative reason that specific activities are not in the best interests of the land or are a substantial detriment to the purpose of owning the land or are not reasonably compatible with other uses such activities shall be suspended.



Policy sections.

Sec xx.xxx General Access

Sec xx.xxx Fishing

Sec xx.xxx Hunting

Sec xx.xxx Passive Recreation Activities and General Access
Including wildlife viewing, interpretation, hiking, primitive camping, bicycles and non-motorized boats.

Sec xx.xxx Equestrian

Sec xx.xxx Trails

Sec xx.xxx Environmental Education

Sec xx.xxx Non-motorized Access

Sec xx.xxx Encouraging Partnerships

Sec xx.xxx Planning Recreation and Public Access

Sec xx.xxx Reasonable Management Considerations



Sec xx.xxx General Access
General Access shall be provided at District lands for parking and other primary facilities as appropriate in order to ensure use by all existing and potential future envisioned activities. This shall provide the base for recreation and public access at all sites. Despite potential changes in recreational and public access activities and available resources to support these activities primary access facilities are necessary. Planning and construction plans shall incorporate provision of lands for development of the general access site, for future use even in the absence of current plans for recreation and public access.

Sec xx.xxx Fishing
All District owned or operated public lands other than those operated as WMAs or, for reasonable safety concerns, posted as "NO FISHING", are
open to the public during all state fishing seasons.

Boat ramps should be designed to fit the reservoir or existing water body and its operation's schedule (size, location, maximum water level, estimated usage, presence of deep water refugia, etc.).

„h Bank fishing shall be allowed where public access is available.
„h Fishing will not be allowed from District water control structures or where, for reasonable safety concerns, posted as ¡§NO FISHING¡¨.
„h Fishing will follow Florida State laws and seasons.

Sec xx.xxx Hunting
All District owned or operated public lands other than those operated as WMAs or, for reasonable safety concerns, posted as "NO HUNTING", will be
open to the public hunter during all state hunting seasons.
Choose one statement, this is related to cost of signage
All District lands open to hunting will be posted OPEN TO HUNTING.

„h Regular local law enforcement and state and federal wildlife officers will continue to be responsible for the properties.


Sec xx.xxx Passive Recreation Activities: Camping, hiking, paddling, canoeing - portage trails, etc. - generally, on SFWMD lands should be open to passive recreational activities, insofar as they are consistent with the purposes and management of the public lands, etc.

Canoeing, kayaking and other such paddle boats shall be allowed on District waters and sufficient parking access provided for such ¡§carry in boating¡¨ activities.

[Converted]

continued...



Sec xx.xxx Equestrian
Horse trails and facilities are for those who bring their own horses. Proof of negative Coggins is required. Horses shall stay on designated trails.

Possible inclusions would be:
„h No horseback riding during posted hunting seasons.
„h Please park horse trailers in designated areas only.
„h Drinking water for horses is available/not available on trails.
„h Wash areas are available/not available for horses.
„h Please keep horses under your control at all times.


Sec xx.xxx Trails: The creation of trails and elevated boardwalks should be considered at all publicly accessible areas to provide for close-up nature, wildlife and bird viewing, provided their construction and maintenance does not significantly harm habitat nor interfere with natural systems.

„h Trails and Greenways should be incorporated to create links or spurs as possible with the various state and county trails, blueways, and greenways programs and systems.
„h Trail heads for these programs may be incorporate as well.

Sec xx.xxx Environmental Education: Educational kiosks should be built at all publicly-accessible sites to inform the visitors of the importance of the environment and their individual place within it, the reason the land was purchased and the activities permitted there.

Sec xx.xxx Non-motorized access: Non-motorized access, such as canoeing and kayaking, should be a priority for all areas, particularly sensitive areas or places where visitors expect to experience natural sounds and experiences. Motorized vehicles, including airboats, all-terrain vehicles, swamp buggies and other motorized recreational vehicles, should be allowed only where it will be safe and not cause serious harm nor interfere with ecosystem restoration activities.


Sec xx.xxx Encouraging Partnerships: Public and private partners should be developed where such cooperation can improve the recreation and public access. The District shall actively pursue partnerships with other state agencies, local governments and nonprofit organizations. This may include private partners. The scope of the agreements shall carefully consider the reasonable ability of the partner to continually fulfill the obligation and the likely consequences of non-fulfillment.
Partners cooperation may include but is not limited to the following:
maintenance, volunteer programs, campground hosts, contractual vendor agreements, event management, assumption of liability, capital expenditure and others.

Sec xx.xxx Planning Recreation and Public Access: Newly purchased lands or project construction on new or existing lands shall incorporate recreation planning in a public involvement process. This shall be done prior to design and contracting to ensure recreation and public access receives full consideration.

„h Sufficient land shall be dedicated to current and future generations for basic access points. These include parking, room to turn around and related facilities adjacent to a public road. Such access shall serve a large variety of activities.

„h Management plans shall utilize a public involvement process to determine the reasonable recreation and public access use for site specific lands. Management plans can be updated periodically as required and will utilize a public involvement process for updates. Management Plans may separate activities equitably by time and place to ensure safety and a variety of opportunities for appropriate experiences.

„h Design and construction shall consider variations that enhance wildlife related to the recreation and public access experience. Design considerations when building projects can augment fish and wildlife. This shall be a subject of discussion in a public involvement process prior to design in order to find possible opportunities to enhance recreation and public access. Construction of recreation and access facilities shall be contracted and completed as part of the overall project to ensure their completion and to prevent budget shortfalls.

Two examples follow for:
„h Leave trees in reservoirs to create "stick marsh"
„h Scalp canal banks to create littoral zones,

Anglers and FWC prefer to have the trees NOT removed. Newly impounded areas containing trees are typically extremely good fishing areas as a result of that structure. A good example of this in Florida is the Stick Marsh. Trees are not a hazard but will actually enhance the boating experience. Tree remnants will also provide resting habitat for many species of birds.

Sec xx.xxx Reasonable Management Considerations

Reasonable management shall allow recreation and public access unless such activities inhibit the assurance of fulfilling District missions., In addition, temporary changes or restrictions on recreation and public access use may be necessary for protection of natural resources, plants and wildlife during times of environmental stress, including storm preparation, flood, drought, and fire conditions.
Management areas of consideration include the following:
To be further defined
„h Science and Engineering
„h Risk and Liability
„h Operation variations under seasonal conditions
„h Operations for flooding or storm preparation
„h Land management practices
„h Management and maintenance of recreation activities and facilities

[Converted]

Here is a copy of an e-mail I sent to Jerry Krenz...

Jerry,
In the Hunting section there is an indication that district lands will be open to hunting unless closed for "reasonable safety concerns".

I'm wondering who will decide what is reasonable and if we are talking about the safety of the hunters or the safety of the general public. In my opinion it is certainly reasonable to close areas near residences, boat ramps, parking areas, and public right-of-ways. I would not want someone to be able to close large areas for a questionable issue of safety to the hunters. As you know, we're not looking for marked nature trails, bridges, pavilions, bathrooms and the like. My son and I rountinely crawl on our hands and knees down deer trails and ford canals that are chest deep to get to good hunting areas on public lands. We also run miles back into the marsh in a small boat and there is no question that it could be considered dangerous. That is a level of danger that we accept in the pursuit of our hunting heritage.

Is it possible to clarify the "reasonable safety concern" issue?

David J. Lithgow
member:
United Waterfowlers of Florida
Ducks Unlimited
Delta Waterfowl
National Rifle Association

[uncle D]

Newton and Converted,

Thanks for the report.

Duke

[N. Cook]

AHHHHH, IF IT WAS SO SIMPLE.....that draft never even made disscussion! A much more complex one is in the works with a lot more burecrateze. I have a download of it but have not read it all yet. Will see, maybe can put it on the site. We need more people at the NOv. 24 meeting.

[Converted]

I'll be there Newton. I've got that whole week and the next off! I will be out duck hunting but if I show up in camo it might add some realism to the mtg:D

[uncle D]

After this next meeting, let get something formal together.

Thanks again.

Duke